BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 25. Active work is
underway to digitize the database of the State Geological
Information Fund, Azerbaijani Minister of Ecology and Natural
Resources Rashad Ismayilov said at the 2nd Azerbaijan International
Investment Forum in Baku today, Trend’s correspondent reports from the event.


He said reliable supplies of critical minerals have become an
important condition for economic security. The energy transition,
electric mobility, artificial intelligence and digital
infrastructure are increasing demand for new materials.


"The development of solar and wind power facilities, batteries,
electricity grids and modern industrial equipment is directly
linked to the availability of mineral raw materials. Therefore,
today's discussion serves both the future of industry and the
establishment of reliable partnerships between countries.


Geopolitical tensions, export restrictions and the concentration
of supplies among a limited number of sources are of particular
concern on the global agenda. The International Energy Agency's
(IEA) 2026 assessment shows that the concentration of processing
capacity in a limited number of countries and price volatility
weaken supply security. In these circumstances, alongside new
deposits, investment in processing capacity, technology and
alternative transport routes is also important.


"Azerbaijan's approach is based on long-term cooperation,
efficient use of resources and mutual benefit," the minister
said.


Ismayilov noted that more than 1,000 mineral deposits have been
registered in Azerbaijan as a result of geological exploration
conducted to date.







"In particular, metal ore deposits identified in Azerbaijan's
Lesser Caucasus, Nakhchivan and Balakan-Zagatala regions provide an
important basis for assessing the country's critical mineral raw
material potential. The fact that deposits such as Filizchay,
Kharkhar, Goydag and Demirli are at different stages of study and
development requires a separate scientific and economic approach to
each project.


Azerbaijan is ready to responsibly develop its critical mineral
potential, create added value domestically and contribute to the
resilience of global supply chains. Our main expectations from the
forum are precisely the introduction of modern approaches in the
mining industry, the establishment of reliable and long-term
partnerships, and increased investment in the sector, including in
the liberated territories," he added.


The second Azerbaijan International Investment Forum is being
held in Baku. The two-day forum is organized by the Ministry of
Economy and its subordinate Azerbaijan Export and Investment
Promotion Agency (AZPROMO), with The European House–Ambrosetti as
its strategic partner.


The plenary and panel sessions at the forum will address
strategic topics including the Middle Corridor, energy and green
transition, artificial intelligence and digital transformation,
infrastructure, industry and free economic zones, critical raw
materials, agribusiness, financial cooperation, small and
medium-sized business development, tourism, and investment in real
estate and human capital.